Jesus Is King
by Kanye West
User Score
5.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 1454 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 657 out of 1454
  2. Mixed: 241 out of 1454
  3. Negative: 556 out of 1454

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  1. Blonisco
    Jan 26, 2023
    5
    说差不算太差，底子还是有的，就是不太能接受福音风格，换成yandhi我肯定给更高
  2. hiphopplatinum
    Oct 2, 2022
    5
    this album had the potential to show that Christian rap is worth being listened to but this album just has so many boring tracks with terrible corny lines and yeah it does have some good tracks like use this gospel & follow god but apart from that this album is a skip
  3. Joffnatic
    May 26, 2022
    6
    This album is Kanye's worst yet, however it's still an enjoyable listen. The production is amazing despite some weak points. However the lyrics feel uninspired, and I personally can't relate to the religious texts Ye is throwing at us. I feel very much like Donda did a much better job at making us able to relate to his christian self, and some of the songs on that LP damn near made meThis album is Kanye's worst yet, however it's still an enjoyable listen. The production is amazing despite some weak points. However the lyrics feel uninspired, and I personally can't relate to the religious texts Ye is throwing at us. I feel very much like Donda did a much better job at making us able to relate to his christian self, and some of the songs on that LP damn near made me speak to Jesus personally.… Expand
  4. themusicreview
    Apr 6, 2022
    5
    Jesus Is King is an over-hated and an over judged album. It is always a work in progress such as the man himself and this album is a reflection on our current state of faith and life in modern-day America.

    There are bright and solid songs such as Every Hour, Selah, Follow God, Use This Gospel, God Is, Hands On, Closed on Sunday and On God. The problem was that people have expected an    Jesus Is King is an over-hated and an over judged album. It is always a work in progress such as the man himself and this album is a reflection on our current state of faith and life in modern-day America.

    There are bright and solid songs such as Every Hour, Selah, Follow God, Use This Gospel, God Is, Hands On, Closed on Sunday and On God. The problem was that people have expected an album that was fully drenched in gospel worship or a Kanye that was like of old, poetic and scrutinizing as he was on Jesus Walks.

    Jesus Is King is not a Christian album or a gospel entry point. It is his reflection on mentality, mental health, Christ and his thoughts on new born salvation. You cannot expect a sermon from a sheperd who hasn't found sheep. You can't expect a Christian College Dropout from a new born man. That is what Jesus Is King is about. It's a restart, a refresh button and an expert defense against his past behaviour that was criminal.

    You can't expect the red hate Kanye to be here. The Donald Trump supporter and supposed coon. This is his redemption arc and the production proves to be still overarched and filled with mediocre work. I admit, the music is not as good as before. Closed On Sunday has awful Chic Fillet lines, Follow God is too bare and short, Everything We Need is foul and Water is his worst song ever. However, even though its over hyped, Use This Gospel has a nice outro break and God Is at least is passionate?

    On God has some fierce work and its the best production here apart from Jesus Lord which is bright with trumpets but it's only a minute long. Closed On Sunday has the best last two minutes or so when the beeps of robotic monotone screams its futuristic blends of audio genius. Kanye is at its most form when he blends Yeezus sounds polished in gospel harmony. It's a wholesome road that gets the 9 out of 10 from me.

    Overall, Hands On proves to be another highlight with dark Greek like apocalyptic production of blending and I say that Jesus Is King is an amazing work of art. It's short, underwhelming but I am happy and proud to see a Christian born again through the faith and work of Jesus.    … Expand
  5. narolo
    Mar 30, 2022
    6
    okokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokokok
  6. garfield7081
    Mar 26, 2022
    4
    i dont have a problem with the religious focus of the album, i have a problem with how lazy and rushed the production of the album feels. looking at the remnants of yandhi, this album couldv'e been much, much better.

    best song: follow god

    worst song: closed on sunday
  7. Snowyiscool45
    Mar 20, 2022
    6
    Its alright some the songs leaks are better than the released version and donda did the whole christian thing better
  8. sodovich
    Dec 25, 2021
    5
    The weakest content from Kanye West. It is as simple as what im saying it is.
  9. F4lC0N_
    Dec 24, 2021
    6
    Não tem nada de mais, porém o intuito dele é bem bonito. Alem de que nele há boas músicas como Selah e On God.
  10. proreview0
    Aug 15, 2021
    6
    lowkey this album is not as bad as every one perceives it to be. Kanye makes a nice effort to express his religious feelings. This a new kanye ig
  11. Trunestor
    Jun 13, 2021
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Disappointing. But better than I expected. Jesus is King is a short Christian rap journey, with his old style from College Dropout and Late Registration; and also from unreleased album Yandhi. His old beats have been ridiculously altered to (it seems like to) match the quality of the album. But the album has some up's and low's. Half of the album holds up well and the other one doesn't. It peaks at On God, with the slickest beat in this album, then it goes downhill from Everything We Need. He removed every good thing about the song. And then the other albums come, with the same story as Everything We Need had. Overall the album is a good listen… Expand
  12. spacelessvoid
    May 22, 2021
    5
    I cant help to say this album is pretty mediocre by ye standards, although i don't really hate this album i just believe it was wasted potential and the getting the vibe of spiritual belief than ye's faith in god but neither the less the music can stem from somewhat good, mediocre by again ye's standards but ill rather see Kanye happy than ever than being forced in a mindset is just thisI cant help to say this album is pretty mediocre by ye standards, although i don't really hate this album i just believe it was wasted potential and the getting the vibe of spiritual belief than ye's faith in god but neither the less the music can stem from somewhat good, mediocre by again ye's standards but ill rather see Kanye happy than ever than being forced in a mindset is just this album was kinda underwhelming to hear… Expand
  13. Hendo250
    Mar 29, 2021
    6
    this album is a 6 this album is a 6 this album is a 6 this album is a 6 this album is a 6
  14. clem666
    Jan 9, 2021
    5
    Witnessing the fact that Kanye thinks he could be something other than a majestic rapper with an ego bigger than planet Earth is actually nice. Seeing such questioning makes me reconsider humanity positively. The artist faced (and successfully triumph) the idea to work in a totally different way than he usually does. He managed to release an album whose subjects and foundations are closerWitnessing the fact that Kanye thinks he could be something other than a majestic rapper with an ego bigger than planet Earth is actually nice. Seeing such questioning makes me reconsider humanity positively. The artist faced (and successfully triumph) the idea to work in a totally different way than he usually does. He managed to release an album whose subjects and foundations are closer to some part of his personality. In this way, 'Jesus Is King' is a powerful promise and a deep record. Beats and rhythms vary a lot. Production is awesome. There are some interesting featured artists who bring even more music that is different from what Kanye does. Saxophone solo in 'Use This Gospel' from Kenny G is absolutely gorgeous and a good example for that.

    However in the facts we are far from all I previously described as we realize Kanye speaks about Jesus only to draw parallels between their respective lives and to try to identify himself as God's son. Almost all tracks sounds like unfinished drafts. It feels like Kanye couldn't involve himself to his core while creating this project. Some songs may be repetitve sometimes. Not saying nonsense and rudeness must have been frighteningly difficult for Kanye.    … Expand
  15. ChunkDump
    Dec 28, 2020
    4
    this isnt the same Kanye anymore. you have to be a huge fan of Ye to enjoy this project. its too damn gospel-ish for me, he still put enough hip hop in it to be listened to. he needs to focus on his mental health at this point.
  16. Wrong_Opinions
    Dec 19, 2020
    5
    I honestly can’t stand another second of this type of thing. Boring as hell. Some nice melodies. Most the songs are garbage with a few bangers here and there.
  17. Mmyestro
    Sep 3, 2020
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. and once again , MR west shocked the whole music community with his jaw dropping change of style.
    first i was like whaaaa , wasnt he that dude who said , your such a freaking brooo i love it,"
    then i decided to give this dude and his album a chance , i mean everyone should have a chance to convert to any religion they want and speak theyre hearts content and say and preach what they want.
    im not a christian , but i bealive in god , but ill just critisize this album with its art , not religious stuff.

    unlike his old albums , this album has a lesser 'Hip Hop' tune . it didnt had the gangish stuff , no gang or party beats , no "All day" or "Monster" . "Follow god" had a Hip Hop sound but it lacked rapping skills, not just this track , the whole album exept "Hands on" (which is the albums best track in my opinion) suffers on corny lyrics . Seriously now Mr west , "your my chick Fil A" ???? :/
    the production was good , but it wasnt kanye , it lacked kanye's crazy samples , crazy instrumentals.

    MR west singing wasnt bad in tracks like , use this gospel, and he was spitting religious facts at "Hands on"

    the feautures werent that awesome , exept the dude in "Hands on" and Pusha T

    anyways time for Mmyestro's Special Scoring

    Instrumentals=======> 5/10
    Flow, rhytm and melody in lyrics========> 7/10
    Lyrics meaning===============> 5/10
    Album Context=============>7/10
    Artists Delivery and voice===============> 8/10

    Hmmmmm , im suppose to give this a 6 , but ill go with a 5

    Jesus is King - Kanye West ===========================> 5/10

    [ 3 September , 2020]    … Expand
  18. Atum_
    Jun 8, 2020
    6
    I get what Kanye was trying to do with this record, and as a christian, I loved it a lot, getting to listen to hip hop in church, however as a hip hop fan, I'm disapointed. The lyrics on this album are pretty bad. It's nothing groundbreaking, or even interesting. A lot of tracks on this thing are just straight up boring. Both production and lyrics. There are some exceptions however, likeI get what Kanye was trying to do with this record, and as a christian, I loved it a lot, getting to listen to hip hop in church, however as a hip hop fan, I'm disapointed. The lyrics on this album are pretty bad. It's nothing groundbreaking, or even interesting. A lot of tracks on this thing are just straight up boring. Both production and lyrics. There are some exceptions however, like Selah or Use This Gospel. If Jesus is King II sounds anything like those tracks rather than the other ones, we might have ourselves a great christian rap music. Personally, I would love that.… Expand
  19. JordanLayton
    Apr 30, 2020
    6
    Wow, I would love this album if it wasn't so distinctly about Christianity. And no, I don't find it to be about Jesus quite as much as I find it to be about Christian interpretations, denominational loyalty, and being religious in the public eye in 2019. Tbh I can relate to some of that, and I think I understand where most of it is coming from, but its just not subject matter IWow, I would love this album if it wasn't so distinctly about Christianity. And no, I don't find it to be about Jesus quite as much as I find it to be about Christian interpretations, denominational loyalty, and being religious in the public eye in 2019. Tbh I can relate to some of that, and I think I understand where most of it is coming from, but its just not subject matter I particularly enjoy. Definitely not a record I'll be coming back to very often.

    THAT SAID, the skill in production and lyricism here is what WILL bring me back on that rare occasion. Kanye is undeniable as usual. The Clipse feature is great too.

    Hands On sticks out as an early favorite track. Feels particularly honest with Kanye laying out his feelings about not belonging. Closed On Sunday is just silly.    … Expand
  20. NolanLundgaard
    Mar 27, 2020
    4
    JESUS IS KING by Kanye West: 3.77

    Every Hour: 1 Selah: 1 Follow God: 0.5 Closed On Sunday: 0.25 On God: 0.5 Everything We Need: 0 Water: 0.5 God Is: 0.75 Hands On: 0.5 Use This Gospel: 0.75 Jesus Is Lord: 1 6.75/11 ~ .614 -> 3.77 I know this review is in the yellow territory, but I count this as a good review. Yes, it’s not quite a fantastic album, but it is an    JESUS IS KING by Kanye West: 3.77

    Every Hour: 1
    Selah: 1
    Follow God: 0.5
    Closed On Sunday: 0.25
    On God: 0.5
    Everything We Need: 0
    Water: 0.5
    God Is: 0.75
    Hands On: 0.5
    Use This Gospel: 0.75
    Jesus Is Lord: 1

    6.75/11 ~ .614 -> 3.77

    I know this review is in the yellow territory, but I count this as a good review. Yes, it’s not quite a fantastic album, but it is an enormous step forward from ye. I am impressed that Kanye West came out with this album, it must’ve not been easy to create something so different from what he has created in the past. I really like the message that this album gives its listeners, and hopefully it has influenced others to follow in the footsteps of West. That being said, JESUS IS KING is still plagued by generic drum machines and random noises here and there, though the explicit content is gone, thankfully. Plus, I’m not sure if the purpose of Closed On Sunday was to get me to laugh, but if so it succeeded. I hope that Kanye continues on this path, because if so, we can expect some amazing albums soon. Chick Fil-a! Highlights (there actually are some this time!): Every Hour, Selah, and Jesus Is Lord.    … Expand
  21. youruberdriver
    Mar 27, 2020
    4
    Mr. West returns with a self proclaimed gospel album "Jesus is King". After a very successful KSG and Ye I expected something on the same level. I don't feel disappointed but I my expectations were much higher than the result that we got. i can't say that the latest Kanye album is bad, but it sounds rough, sketchy and spineless. Some songs are better than others, some are obviously takenMr. West returns with a self proclaimed gospel album "Jesus is King". After a very successful KSG and Ye I expected something on the same level. I don't feel disappointed but I my expectations were much higher than the result that we got. i can't say that the latest Kanye album is bad, but it sounds rough, sketchy and spineless. Some songs are better than others, some are obviously taken from an unreleased "Yahndi". The album doesn't feel like a Kanye album, it doesn't leave you with a certain experience or mood or idea. I find Mr. Wests' latest album just a collection of random Kanye songs. Don't get me wrong, the songs are mostly good, if you listen to them as singles, but where is the whole gospel album Kanye was talking about? Why leaked Yahndi sounds better than a finished projects? Why bangers like "Follow God" and "On god" are mixed with gospel tracks like "Every hour" and melancholic ones like "Closed on Sunday". It doesn't feel consistent. Considering the whole criticism and all drawbacks mentioned before, "Jesus is King" is still a good album with gorgeous production, interesting lyrics and Kanye West. Kanye can't make bad music after all. Some songs grow on me more and more every day. It's definitely not his best one, but not the worst one either. Give it a listen anyways. A strong 8/10 from me. P.S. Kanye, you can do better… Expand
  22. kixistrk
    Jan 24, 2020
    5
    Though holding the same sprawling and engaging production Kanye has become a household band for, Jesus is King lacks the depth and self awareness to bring anything of value to the table. Perhaps it’s a victory lap on Kanye’s life, but personally, it seemed like the top would be a lot more interesting for one of the most influential hip hop talents of all time.
  23. okbuddyjosh
    Jan 22, 2020
    6
    This album is certainly not Kanye at his best. First of all, the album is too short. For some artists, such as Earl Sweatshirt, a shorter run-time works well, but it doesn't really work for Kanye. Fans are used to 45 minutes to an hour long albums as his songs tend to be long and contain many features. Here, however, there are minimal features and the album is barely a half an hour long.This album is certainly not Kanye at his best. First of all, the album is too short. For some artists, such as Earl Sweatshirt, a shorter run-time works well, but it doesn't really work for Kanye. Fans are used to 45 minutes to an hour long albums as his songs tend to be long and contain many features. Here, however, there are minimal features and the album is barely a half an hour long. It also isn't mixed very well and contains some very cheesy lyrics such the infamous Closed On Sunday hook. Despite this, there are high points on the album. God Is is a beautiful song with a great instrumental and I actually like how Kanye strains his voice on the song. Use This Gospel brings us the legendary duo Clipse and they both have great verses (I prefer No Malice's here). Follow God and Selah are high points as well. However, the thing that makes me move the album from a 7 to a 6 is because of what it could have been. Yahndi sounded incredible and this couldn't live up to it.… Expand
  24. Connorcox1997
    Dec 6, 2019
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Ok....... after feeling disappointed at Kanye for not dropping Yandi on the day it was supposed to be released last year, his new album Jesus is king was something.… Expand
  25. cbogert4
    Nov 18, 2019
    5
    I can't comprehend how this album has received a rating higher than 6. While embodying some aspects of gospel, the album felt unfinished and confused. Kanye, throughout the tracks, gave off the feeling that Kanye wanted to make something like The Life Of Pablo, but didn't know where to start, go or end. Tracks such as Closed On Sunday and Water are an embarrassment to Kanye West's musicalI can't comprehend how this album has received a rating higher than 6. While embodying some aspects of gospel, the album felt unfinished and confused. Kanye, throughout the tracks, gave off the feeling that Kanye wanted to make something like The Life Of Pablo, but didn't know where to start, go or end. Tracks such as Closed On Sunday and Water are an embarrassment to Kanye West's musical career. There are some plus sides to this album, however. Tracks such as Selah, Follow God, On God, and Use This Gospel are very solid tracks. Too bad Kanye couldn't have just given us a 4 song album. I think most people agree when I say that Jesus shouldn't have done the laundry, and we should have just gotten Yandhi.… Expand
  26. bfoore90
    Nov 11, 2019
    4
    Production and beats are on point but its essentially one long Gospel Album.
  27. D_Hughez
    Nov 5, 2019
    4
    I have never been a religious person or listened to religious music so my take is a bit skewed. However, from listening to Kanye growing up this album is promising but another generic album. Gone are the hip hop days of Kanye with amazing beats and fire lyrics. In with the gospel choirs and repeating messages. There is nothing inherently wrong with that but not my taste compared to whoI have never been a religious person or listened to religious music so my take is a bit skewed. However, from listening to Kanye growing up this album is promising but another generic album. Gone are the hip hop days of Kanye with amazing beats and fire lyrics. In with the gospel choirs and repeating messages. There is nothing inherently wrong with that but not my taste compared to who Kanye used to be.… Expand
  28. Andremax
    Nov 1, 2019
    5
    In Jesus Is King, production and beats are great as always, but lyrics are superficial, shallow, clichés, predictable, totally forced out and vocal melodies are weak
  29. nereed678
    Oct 31, 2019
    5
    Kanye returns from the seminal ye with a disappointing follow up. Just as disjointed as ye but minus the honesty, emotional effect and charm, Jesus Is King is an uninteresting, messy and annoyingly preachy christian hip hop project that serves as not much more than a novelty in the Kanye West discography
  30. Xellophone
    Oct 30, 2019
    5
    This is a disappointment. It feels half-baked, unfinished, rushed. Still some favourable tracks, but overall the album just doesn't work
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Awards & Rankings

9
#9 Most Discussed Album of 2019

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
53

Mixed or average reviews - based on 25 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 25
  3. Negative: 4 out of 25
  1. Tiny Mix Tapes
    Dec 30, 2019
    0
    His reunion with frequent collaborators belies a rich history of discovering and championing new voices. This ostensible distance from which Kanye preaches reveals King’s true tension: Kanye, like Kendrick on DAMN., is asking for our prayers, while also distancing himself from our hands and our mouths. And it doesn’t work. ... He has artistically lost track of his audience and himself in its midst.
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  2. The Wire
    Nov 20, 2019
    50
    He’s hung up on Jesus rather than pneumatic women. It’s hard to tell if that’s an improvement, but it doesn’t seem like a regression either. ... An album with zero fat, dense in at least three senses, two of them positive. [Dec 2019, p.60]
  3. RapReviews.com
    Nov 12, 2019
    50
    As with every Kanye album, there’s some magnificent production on a majority of “Jesus Is King” courtesy of Pi’erre Bourne, Timbaland and Boogz, among others. ... Kanye just seems like he’s in his own world; disregarding what’s going on around him. Other times, Ye’s writing delves into eyerolling contradictions and ego-driven intentions.
    Read full review
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